Putting an end to costly kitchen habits

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After reading the June 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine I have to admit I have my share of bad kitchen habit. The problem: They’ve cost me money! The mag lists 14 cooking mistakes that can waste big bucks and can be detrimental to your health.

I’m sharing the kitchen mistakes I’m guilty of doing and letting you know how I’ve put a stop to them.

Mistake #1: Using nonstick cooking spray in nonstick pans.

Before I gave up nonstick pans for cast iron and stainless steel, I would use nonstick cooking spray on my nonstick pans. BIG mistake! My pans were left with a film I wasn’t able to wash off. I had to dispose of two pans for this reason. The cost: $45.

If you use nonstick pans, ShopSmart suggests using an oil mister. I have one that needs to be pumped. It cuts down on the use of oil (if you’re watching calories) or want to use expensive oil sparingly. It’s a great kitchen tool!

Mistake #2: Using nonstick pans over very high heat.

Another thing that killed my pans was the high heat. Using high heat is dangerous as it creates fumes that can kill bird pets and cause flu-like symptoms in people. Yikes!

Check your pans’ label for the maximum temperature, suggest ShopSmart. Or switch completely to stainless steel and iron. I haven’t looked back since doing so!

Mistake #3: Rinsing meat before cooking.

Before knowing better, I used to do this all the time. I mean, how else do you kill bacteria? Thankfully, we’ve never gotten sick from cross-contamination. It would just have pained me to shell out $10 for the pink stuff.

To avoid spreading bacteria, don’t rinse meat before cooking just cook foods to the right internal temp. Make sure to use a thermometer!

Mistake #4: Skip preheating the skillet.

When I’m in a rush, I tend to skip the preheating to beat time. More than once this has lead to meat and veggies that are not as tasty when seared. With leftovers not making out of the fridge before they spoil, food ends up in the trash.

I’ve learned to minimize food waste by adding up the costs and following other simple guidelines.

ShopSmart didn’t cover this mistake, but I believe it’s important because it can add up. Though convenient, having electronics plugged in around the clock can eat up electricity. The only thing plugged in in my kitchen is the fridge. Make it more convenient to turn off all appliances by using a power strip.

What bad kitchen habits are you guilty of doing?

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